Following New Zealand’s decision to amend the Marriage Act, the tourism body announced the search for the first same-sex Australian couple to hop across the Tasman to tie the knot.
Tourism NZ is offering the lucky couple return flights to New Zealand, accommodation and a wedding reception for up to 20 people.
“What we are doing with the competition is to highlight the fact how easy is it to come to New Zealand, get a license and get married,” said Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Australia Tim Burgess.
“We are excited to be making history and working with one lucky same-sex couple to become the very first from Australia to be married here in New Zealand.”
Since Australia does not recognise same-sex marriages, those who do choose to wed in New Zealand will not receive the same benefits at home as opposite sex couples do.
The actual destination within NZ has not been announced yet, but wherever it is will probably benefit from future same-sex marriage tourism.
To enter the competition you can head over the Star Observer’s Facebook page and submit a photo of yourself and your partner and state why you would love to be the first to get hitched in NZ.
“We’re looking for people who can hit a number of keywords in their answers, who can speak positively and passionately in their answers,” said Burgess.
Being only the thirteenth country to allow same-sex couples the right to marry, and the first in Asia Pacific, there appears to be a great sense of pride amongst most New Zealanders since it was announced.
Until Australia allows same-sex marriage it seems likely that New Zealand will begin to attract a great deal more couples that cannot marry at home.
Image: Getty
